Farm Compliance

“The America’s Heartland television program does an outstanding job of telling the farmer’s story, which has long been a priority for Farm Bureau,” said AFBF President Bob Stallman. “We’re pleased to continue our support with the addition of this initial educational initiative, which targets students with an interest in agricultural careers.”

The field-tested lessons focus on career exploration and are targeted to secondary- and collegiate-age students. They are ideal for use by classroom teachers to enhance instruction in a range of subject areas. Students also may use the study guides on their own. Subject categories for study guides and lessons include career profiles, food science, agri-tourism, animals, aquaculture, environmental stewardship, fruits, vegetables, specialty products and technology.

“For three seasons, our program has shown millions of television viewers the importance of agriculture to our nation and the world,” said Jim Finnerty, series producer of America’s Heartland. “Now, our stories are being used to provide educators with important new tools giving students critical insights into agriculture. Teachers will be able to involve young people in the subject and generate interest in an industry that might someday be a career option. In addition, PBS stations, in most communities, are the last locally owned media enterprises. That means that PBS stations look for broadcast content that is grounded in the community’s needs and values.”

Regarding the new America’s Heartland initiative, Ernesto Fajardo, vice president of crop production for Monsanto, said, “As a company solely focused on agriculture, we are proud to support this educational program that promotes the contributions of U.S. farmers and ranchers to the quality of life our country enjoys.”

Later this spring, additional materials will be introduced for younger and older students. Subject areas will include the environment, history, geography, food science, trade and much more, according to Betty Wolanyk, director of research and education for the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture. Wolanyk, a former educator, developed the educational component of the program in collaboration with Project Food, Land & People.

America’s Heartland is airing its third season of programming and taping is under way on season four. Educational materials are available free of charge online at http://www.americasheartland.org/education.

The series’ two flagship supporters are Monsanto Company and the American Farm Bureau Federation. The series also receives support from the American Soybean Association, National Corn Growers Association, National Cotton Council, United Soybean Board, the National FFA Organization, the U.S. Grains Council and the National Association of Wheat Growers.

Produced by KVIE, the PBS station in Sacramento, America’s Heartland is available on many PBS stations across the U.S. and on RFD-TV, and each story is streamed to the program Web site. Last year, the show reached more than one million consumers per episode, with viewers in 8 of the top 10 television markets in the country, including New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.